4 Steps Involved in Water Remediation

6/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage from a leaking pipe

After a flood or extensive leak, quick water damage cleanup is essential because it minimizes long-term damage and eliminates health and safety issues. At SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest in Omaha, NE, we start by inspecting and characterizing the damage. Then, we remove the water, decontaminate the space, dry the affected rooms, and carry out the necessary repairs.

4 Steps Involved in Water Damage Cleanup in Omaha, NE

1. Inspection and Characterization

The first step is to accurately characterize the nature of the water damage to figure out what measures are necessary. We begin by determining whether there are any contaminants and if so, how they interact with each other. This helps us to understand the extent of your property damage and whether your health is at risk.

To characterize the contamination, we take samples of the water at locations where we believe the concentration of chemicals is highest. If there is a serious contamination issue, we work with emergency response partners. We might ask you to take certain precautions such as avoiding contaminated areas to prevent health and safety issues.

2. Water Removal and Decontamination 

Once we fully understand the risks related to the flood or leak, we can start the decontamination process. If there is still a large amount of water in your space, we use a sump pump to remove it. Then, we select treatment methods that disinfect your space, remove harmful chemicals, and allow you to use your space safely. Sometimes, infrastructure such as piping has to be dismantled and cleaned or replaced to avoid future issues.

In addition to decontaminating your space, we also handle the removal of wastewater and harmful objects. If some of your belongings are no longer safe to use, we'll dispose of them properly.

3. Drying 

After we've made sure that your space is no longer contaminated by pathogens or harmful chemicals, we can remove any remaining water and dry your space. The techniques we use depend on the extent and type of water damage and the location of the affected rooms. If there are a lot of windows and it is dry outside, we might start by airing the place out.

Additionally, we use fans, dehumidifiers, and desiccants to get rid of any remaining moisture. Some vacs can remove moisture from carpets and other soft surfaces. To minimize the damage, we'll help you to store wet items properly. Paper objects should be frozen because this prevents mold and mildew.

4. Cleaning and Restoration 

Finally, your space is ready to be deep cleaned and renovated. Again, the extent of the work we need to complete depends on the location of your room, its intended purpose, and the materials it is made of. Using the most advanced devices and products on the market, we'll remove any remaining odors and repair or replace all your structures, including the floors, walls, and ceilings.

Cleaning up water damage is a challenging and time-consuming process. To ensure your safety, it's important to work with professionals who can assess the situation, decontaminate your space, and carry out the necessary repairs. Get in touch with us at SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest to find out about our services and schedule your cleanup.